News

Portsmouth win at last but cash crisis deepens

PORTSMOUTH'S depressing start to the season came to a joyous end against Wolves yesterday when the club, having set a record by losing their first seven Premier League games, won 1-0 at Molineux. Yet their victory will be soured by the disclosure that the club's financial position may be more desperate than was first feared.

A 19th-minute header by French midfielder Hassan Yebda secured a win that was greeted ecstatically by Pompey's players, manager Paul Hart and fans. However, they are still bottom of the table and in the depths of a financial crisis. Peter Storrie, Portsmouth's chief executive, has said that the club - unable to pay some of its players last week - needs at least 30% of £50m in new funds promised by the club's chairman-owner, Sulaiman al-Fahim, within a fortnight or it will risk financial meltdown.

Revenue and Customs, the bank and local suppliers are among creditors demanding